image courtesy: Flyfisherman
Also known as the "Unau", the Two-toed Sloth inhabits the rainforests of South America. This sloth differs a bit in appearance from its smaller cousin, the Three-toed Sloth; it has two types of fur, long guard hairs and short under fur. The color of this mammal differs also, ranging anywhere from a dark brown to a pale beige (though the algae that grows on the Two-toed Sloth's fur gives it a green tinge). The hindlegs of this sloth have three digits, and the forelimbs have two, which are bound by skin. All of the digits have strongly curved claws which are used for clambering through the tree tops. Two-toed Sloths are generalized as arboreal herbivores, eating a variety of leaves, twigs, and fruits. Their gestation period is about 11.5 months, after which the young stays close to it's parent for atleast 2 years. This mammal is truly unique, not only is it almost entirely nocturnal, but all normal activities of the Two-toed Sloth including eating, sleeping, mating, and giving birth occur upside-down. Though this sloth is not a protected species, it's habitat is quickly disappearing.